When Are You Fully Vested in Your Retirement Plan? For EG&C, JRS, 1977 Fund, and PARF Members

Understanding vesting helps you know when your benefits become a part of your future.

“Vested” – A term you often hear when discussing retirement, but what does it mean?

Becoming vested means, you have earned the right to receive your retirement benefits through your years of service. Once you're vested, those benefits are all yours! Being vested looks a little different for each plan that INPRS offers. The type of plan you're in determines how many years it will take for you to be vested.

EG&C Fund Plan

After 15 years of creditable service in an EG&C position, you are vested and eligible for benefits upon reaching age of eligibility, unless you enroll in the EG&C plan after age 50.

If you enrolled after age 50, you’re vested after 10 years of creditable service. You’re eligible for unreduced retirement benefits, if you’re vested and age 50 with 25 years of service, age 60 with 15 years of service, age 65 with 10 years of service, or meet the rule of 85 (you are at least 55 and your age and years of service total 85). For reduced benefits, you’re eligible if you’re vested and at least age 45 with 15 years of service or 10 years of service if enrolled at age 50 or older.

JRS Fund Plan

After eight years of creditable service in a JRS-covered position, you are vested and eligible for benefits. For unreduced retirement benefits, you’re eligible if you’re vested and are at least age 65 or meet the rule of 85 (you are at least 55 and your age and years of service total 85). You may qualify for reduced retirement benefits if you’re vested and between the ages of 62 and 65 but do not qualify for the rule of 85.

1977 Fund Plan

After 20 years of creditable service in a 1977 fund-covered position, you’re eligible for retirement benefits if you’re vested, are at least age 52 (for unreduced benefits) or 50 (for reduced benefits), and have separated from covered service. Age 70 is the mandatory retirement age for the 1977 fund.

PARF Fund Plan

If you were in a PARF-covered position on July 1, 2006, or began serving in a PARF-covered position after July 1, 2006, you are vested and eligible for benefits upon reaching age of eligibility after eight years of creditable service in a PARF-covered position.  If you completed PARF-covered employment before July 1, 2006, and did not return to a PARF-covered position after July 1, 2006, you must complete 10 years of service to be vested.

For unreduced retirement benefits, you’re eligible if you’re vested and age 65 or meet the rule of 85 (you are at least 55 and your age and years of service total 85).

Reaching vested status in your plan is more than just an achievement; it’s a sign that your hard work is paying off and your future is taking shape. Knowing when you will be vested will help you make confident decisions about your career and retirement plan. Ensure you understand the timeline so that you’re ready when your time comes!

For more information about your vested status, refer to the member handbooks available on our website here.

To speak to someone directly about your vested status, you may call our Member Advocate Team. Our call center hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Phone: (844) – 464 – 6777 or (844) GO-INPRS.